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Being More Assertive

Writer: David Figueroa-MartinezDavid Figueroa-Martinez

Updated: Jul 25, 2024

I recently came across a Threads Post discussing a conversation he had with his instructor. What I loved about it was that the conversation was posed in a unique and relatable way.

"I realized that any time I'm rolling, if I start feeling like a secondary character, I'm not being assertive. I need to be the main character!"

Some things that I'd like practitioners to keep in mind as we approach being more assertive during our rolls. This doesn't mean that we're not respectful of our teammates. It means that in this dance, my goal is to lead it. I want to dictate both the pace and the territory in which we are going to battle in.


Initiate The Contact

After we slap hands, I'm doing one of two things. Preparing to initiate the first grips of the encounter or intercepting any grips that come my way. Either way, constitute as initiating in my book as long as I the interceptions offensively. What I don't want, is to have to address solidified grips.



Dictate The Pace To Your Liking

Pace is a massive tool I use when it comes to my rolls. I generally do not like moving at a high rate. At 43, conserving my stamina is a must. I'd also add, choosing when to overwhelm your opponent with movement on your terms is equally important as a tool.


Understanding the role of pace for your body type is going to be unique to you, so make it your own.


Keep Homefield Advantage.

Home field advantage is a concept that I refer to for positions that I'm most familiar with. For me from bottom, it's Half, Butterfly, and Reverse De La Riva. From top, it's Half, Mount, and North South. I use these positions for comfort and familiarity. I understand exactly what most opponents will do in any one of these positions, I have answers, along with the follow up answers.



Be assertive and don't feel guilty about doing it. It's in your best interest to be the main character of your journey.



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